Patch 2021 Holiday Guide Lists Seasonal Events And Activities To Enjoy Around Reston

RESTON, VA — Even though many early birds were putting up their Christmas lights the day after Halloween — if they waited that long — Thanksgiving is generally considered the unofficial start of the holiday season.

As the weather gets colder and the shoppings malls become more crowded, many Reston residents look forward to taking some time to enjoy their favorite holiday activities.

Here are some of the holiday events happening in November and December in the Reston area:

LuminoCity Festival Holiday Lights: Ongoing through Jan. 2, 4:30-9 p.m., at Roer's Zoofari, 1228 Hunter Mill Road in Vienna. Enjoy a unique outdoor holiday light display experience, which includes African, Asian, Arid, and Ancient-themed exhibits. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online.

Reston Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting: Friday, Nov. 26, 111 a.m., at Reston Town Center. RTC kicks off the season with its annual parade, which welcomes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. After the one-hour parade, enjoy mini-train rides until 4:30 p.m. The Clauses will return to the Fountain Square Tree for the lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides from 6-10 p.m. Proceeds from the rides will benefit local charities. The ice skating pavilion will be open throughout the holidays.

Holiday Lights On the Farm: Saturday, Nov. 27, 5-8:30 p.m., at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Tour light displays in the park from the safety of your car. Admission is $20 per vehicle for preregistered visitors and $25 the day of the event. Visitor limit is 15 passengers per vehicle. 703-437-9101.

23rd Annual Gifts from the HeART Exhibit: Monday, Nov. 29-Monday, Jan. 3, at Jo Ann Rose Gallery, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Free.

Gifts from the HeART Shopping Event: Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m-3 p.m. at Reston Community Center - Lake Anne, Reston Community Center - Lake Anne, 1069-A. Shop for holiday gifts in conjunction with the 23rd annual Gifts from the HeART Exhibit. A portion of all proceeds from the sale will benefit the work of Cornerstones.

Northern Virginia Ukulele Ensemble: Saturday, Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 12:30-1:15 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Seth Kible Trio: Saturday, Dec. 4, 2:30-4 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Lohr Family Entertainers: Sunday, Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Northern Virginia Ukulele Ensemble: Saturday, Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 12:30-1:15 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Holiday Carolers: Saturday, Dec. 11, 2:30-4 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Beltway Brass: Sunday, Dec. 12, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Reston Chorale: Sunday, Dec. 12, 1-1:45 p.m. and 2-2:45 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Northern Virginia Ukulele Ensemble: Saturday, Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 12:30-1:15 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Holiday Carolers: Saturday, Dec. 18, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Lohr Family Entertainers: Sunday, Dec. 19, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fountain Square in Reston Town Center. Live music.

Got a holiday event you want people to know about and add to this list? Add a comment to this story or email Patch editor Michael O'Connell at michael.oconnell@patch.com.